MEDIA RELEASE

Police are investigating a reported robbery that occurred in a Hilo park early this morning.

On February 6, 2013 at about 4:54 am, police received a report that a 29 year-old female victim and a 29 year-old male victim were camping at the Kolekole Beach Park when they were awakened by a male suspect who entered their tent. The suspect threatened them with a knife before taking several of their possessions and also demanded the keys to a rental vehicle that was parked nearby.

The suspect left the area in the rental vehicle, which is described as a white 2012 Ford Mustang coupe with license plate #HMX-973. The vehicle was found abandoned in the upper Wainaku area and has since been recovered by police.

Both victims walked to a nearby residence to call police and were uninjured during the incident, which is being investigated as a first degree robbery, second and third degree thefts, first degree terroristic threatening, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, and unlawful imprisonment.

The suspect was described as possibly Caucasian, in his mid 20’s, standing about 5’8” tall, weighing about 150-160 pounds, fair complexion, and clean shaven. He was last seen wearing a dark colored jacket or hoodie, either a beanie or a hood, and possibly a khaki colored pants.

Police ask that anyone with information on the identity of the suspect or may have witnessed this robbery to call Detective Norbert Serrao at 961-2383 or by email at nserrao@co.hawaii.hi.us

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.